Socialist Utopia Redux: Argentina's serial collapse

"War with Argentina might save the United Kingdom and see Scots abandon independence move", opines @PurpleLine - Indeed. More tinder added to the global powderkeg. Argentina's socialists meanwhile have no learning curve to speak of, as is usual with the Left. The narrative without a doubt: socialism proper has NEVER been tried LOL -

Zerohedge: "Another Consequence Of Economic Decline"

Nearly 10-years ago to the day, the government of Argentina collapsed. Beset by weighty deficit spending and a completely unrealistic currency peg to the US dollar, Argentina became the poster child for the golden rule of economics: ‘that which is unsustainable will not be sustained.’ It’s reversion to the mean. (...) At this point, it’s all just tough talk and petty annoyances. But here’s the thing– there are four billion barrels of oil estimated to be within the Falklands’ territorial waters. Given the utter insanity with which Fernandez governs her country and the desperation in the Argentine economy, one cannot rule out the possibility of her trying to grab Las Malvinas by force. After all, military conflict is the ultimate social distraction.

I’ve often written that economics drives everything. A solid, vibrant, competitive economy lifts an entire nation into prosperity, while deteriorating fundamentals and a socialist agenda create inflation, unemployment, and social turmoil. War is just another one of those consequences. And given the vast deterioration in the global economy coupled with deeply-seeded conflicts around the world, the Falklands is just one of many that we may have to look forward to in 2012. >>>

Jan. 10, 2012
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Mel is going home -

- Raul Castro, Mel Zelaya, Hugo Chavez (l-r) -

La Gringa's Blogicito: "Mel Zelaya's entourage and what's next?"

Juan Barahona, sub-coordinator of the FNRP (Resistance movement), has announced that former president Manuel "Mel" Zelaya will return to Tegucigalpa, Honduras at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28. Accompanying Mel will be Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Nicolás Maduro, Foreign Minister of Venezuela and Chávez' right-hand man. Both men are strong XXIst century socialists and strongly anti-US, a country which they refer to as the imperialists, blaming imperialism for all the woes of Latin America.

Also accompanying Mel will be one or more unnamed former Zelaya cabinet members — or "all of the exiles" according to Barahona [in Spanish]. Most, if not all, of the 'auto-exiles' have corruption and abuse of authority charges pending against them. But what is good for the goose, is good for the gander.... despite Honduran President Lobo's election day promise that "all corruptos will go to jail, en punto!", he seems willing to make any deal with anyone in the name of 'reconciliation'. I saw him on television tonight and I have to say that he looked more stressed than I have ever seen him. (...) >>>

May 21, 2011
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Neo commies united (ALBA)-

Petroleum World: "Chavez's Bolivarian Alliance Social Movements, A Front for Terrorism?"

In March of 2011, and in response to President Obama 's trip through Latin America , President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela visited Cochabamba, Bolivia. During a large rally held with ideological ally Evo Morales , both presidents called for the reinforcing of the social movements as a mechanism to strengthen the Bolivarian Alliance of the Americas (ALBA). The ALBA, for those who don't know, is President Chávez's plan for a regional confederation of Latin American countries to counter the power of the United States .

According to the ALBA's website, the organizational structure for this confederation consists of a presidential council, with four technical councils: social, economic, political, and social movements.

Narciso Isa Conde, president of the Bolivarian Continental Movement (formerly CCB), one of the ALBA social movements stated, “The ALBA assertively created its Council of Social Movements with the same ranking (within the hierarchy) as the council of ministers. That demonstrates an integration project that goes beyond simply the state or commerce." (...) >>>

May 1, 2011
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Chavez, dictator by decree -

FPM: "Hugo Chavez’s Latest Power Grab"

On Wednesday, it was announced that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has asked the National Assembly to grant him “special powers” to enact laws by decree for a period of one year. Of the Assembly’s 165 lawmakers, the overwhelming majority of which are pro-Chavez supporters, only 5 voted against the measure. Final approval of the initiative is expected early next week. If granted, this would be the fourth time in Chavez’s 12-year reign that he would be given permission to bypass Venezuela’s legislative body. (...) >>>

Dec. 18, 2010
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Marxists dig in -

In Brazil, where a full time Marxist is forced into runoff vote, and in Venezuela where the opposition's odds to oust Chavez in 2012 have improved. But first he's unleashing the Bolivar 'civil defense forces' -

Weasel Zippers: "Hugo Chavez Vows to “Radicalize the Socialist Revolution” After Opposition Wins Big...

Update: Calls For His Civilian Militia to Be Armed Full-Time… >>>

Oct. 4, 2010
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As the Castro wannabe is jailing another dissident, he's picking a fight with an outside 'enemy' -

Miami Herald: "Venezuela alleges Dutch violation of airspace"

President Hugo Chavez's government complained Tuesday that a Dutch military aircraft violated its airspace and urged the Netherlands to stop provoking Venezuela, saying diplomatic relations could be hurt. In a statement, Venezuela's government said it detected three separate incursions last week, "even through the aircraft used techniques to hide its position and identification.

"Venezuela demands that the government of the Netherlands take the necessary measures so these acts of provocation cease," the statement said. If incursions continue, diplomatic relations could suffer, it added. Venezuela did not give details on the origin of the flights, but Chavez has accused the Netherlands in the past of letting the United States use Dutch islands off Venezuela to prepare a possible military attack against his country. Officials at the Dutch Embassy in Caracas did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. >>>


Marxists everywhere you look -

Latin America, succumbing to socialism one country at a time. Here the leading candidate for the Brazilian Presidency, a bank robber, a Marxist terrorist and a worthy replacement of Lula da Silva -

Capital Flow Watch: "Dilma Rousseff"

Jun 27, 2010
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Forever fomenting trouble -

Fausta's Blog: "Chavez’s support of the ETA & FARC"

Now, based on documents and witness testimony, Chávez is facing fresh accusations that his government has gone well beyond assisting the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Documents seized from two subversive groups, along with information provided by former Colombian guerrillas, suggest that Venezuela facilitated training sessions here between the FARC and ETA, a separatist group in Spain that uses assassinations and bombings in its effort to win independence for the northern Basque region.

The evidence led Judge Eloy Velasco of the National Court in Madrid to level charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder in March against a Chávez government official, Arturo Cubillas, and a dozen members of the FARC and ETA. Spanish authorities want Venezuela to extradite those accused, but so far the Chávez government has not responded to Velasco’s international warrant. (...) >>>

May 20, 2010
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Report: Iran's Qods Forces in the back yard -

Washington Times: "Iran boosts Qods shock troops in Venezuela - Pentagon predicts U.S. clash with Islamist paramilitary", by Bill Gertz

Iran is increasing its paramilitary Qods force operatives in Venezuela while covertly continuing supplies of weapons and explosives to Taliban and other insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to the Pentagon's first report to Congress on Tehran's military.

The report on Iranian military power provides new details on the group known formally as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), the Islamist shock troops deployed around the world to advance Iranian interests. The unit is aligned with terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, North Africa and Latin America, and the report warns that U.S. forces are likely to battle the Iranian paramilitaries in the future.

The Qods force "maintains operational capabilities around the world," the report says, adding that "it is well established in the Middle East and North Africa and recent years have witnessed an increased presence in Latin America, particularly Venezuela." (...) >>>

Apr 21, 2010
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Goodbye to the Monroe Doctrine -

Telegraph: "Russia and Venezuela announce nuclear union"

Atomic energy was one of many areas of co-operation discussed as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the South American country. "We're ready to start drawing up the first plan of a nuclear power plant, obviously with peaceful aims," Mr Chavez said. Mr Chavez had announced plans to turn to Russia for nuclear help in the past. He did not give details on how much Venezuela is prepared to invest, or how long it might take. Russia and Venezuela also launched a joint business to tap vast oil deposits in eastern Venezuela and Mr Chavez said Moscow has offered to help Venezuela set up its own space industry including a satellite launch site. Mr Putin also pledged to keep selling arms to Venezuela. Mr Chavez's government has already bought more than $4 billion (£2.6bn) in Russian weapons since 2005, including helicopters, fighter jets and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles. (...) >>>

Apr 4, 2010
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Cuba's unknown dissidents -

Image by ZEDZAP>Nick via Flickr - School girls - Nothing but happy, sanitized pictures on Cuba

PJM: "Cuba’s Unknown Dissidents", by Henry Gomez

Nelson Mandela and Lech Walesa are household names. Why aren't Cuba's dissidents equally well known? (...) March 18 marks the seventh anniversary of what has become known as the “Black Spring” to the select few that seem to care about Cuba transitioning to a democratic state. In 2003, Castro’s thugs arrested 75 dissidents, independent librarians, and independent journalists in the biggest crackdown on independent thought on the island in years. Most were sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being found guilty in show trials that would have made Stalin proud. Today, the majority of the 75 still remain in prison, though one was recently freed in the metaphorical sense. (...) >>>

Mar 18, 2010
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A cry from the heart out of the Chavez dytopia in process -

This just in on Facebook: "hugo chavez is comunist and his Dictatorship-Democracy is Strong not have Dissident Political activism and chavez have heer in my country totalitarian systems and dont liked the jewish people is comunist the precident we tel you one voice y need FREEDOMM"

That's right. Vote the bloody commies into power, like they haven't cost humanity 110 million dead already!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Spain: Chavez conspired to assassinate Uribe (hotair.com)
• Sean Penn Suggests Prison Time for Journalists Who Call Hugo Chavez a Dictator (newsbusters.org)
• Another Hugo Chavez terrorist link (themoderatevoice.com)

Jan. 31, 2010
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The state of affairs surrounding Honduras is symbolic for the "new world order". There's nothing 'ethical' about it. It's run by crypto fascist ideologues who like to think of themselves as evolved to a higher moral order.

La Gringa's Blogicito: "Outside interference and Honduran reaction"

The Honduran congress voted for amnesty this morning (more on that later), Porfirio (Pepe) Lobo was inaugurated (without incident), and Mel Zelaya is gone (without incident), but I wanted to finish up this article: It's ironic (or hypocritical if you prefer) that so many outside of Honduras say that "even if Zelaya was a president, the ends don't justify the means", but those same people seemed to believe that any law could be broken to restore Zelaya to power. Foreign presidents and international organizations have been trying for seven months to force illegal, undemocratic, and unconstitutional actions on Honduras in the name of "restoring democracy". Unfortunately, this interference in Honduras' internal affairs is not going to end with Pepe Lobo's inauguration. (...) >>>

Jan. 28, 2010
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Chavez' dystopia right on schedule:

FoxNews: "Anti-Chavez TV Channel Removed From Cable"

Venezuelan cable television providers stopped transmitting a channel critical of President Hugo Chavez on Sunday, after the government cited incompliance with new regulations requiring the socialist leader's speeches be televised on cable. (...) RCTV did not broadcast a speech by the president to his political supporters during a rally early on Saturday. The station's removal from cable and satellite television prompted a cacophony of protests in Caracas neighborhoods as Chavez opponents leaned out apartment windows to bang on pots and pans. (...) >>>

Jan. 24, 2010
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The paranoia of tyrants ... Just wondering who they fear most? The enemy or the people?

Reuters: "Cuba conducts war games with U.S. invasion in mind"

Cuba began its biggest military maneuvers in five years on Thursday, saying they were needed to prepare for a possible invasion by the United States. Despite a thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations and assurances last week by President Barack Obama that the United States has no intention of invading the island 90 miles from Florida, Cuba's state-run press quoted military leaders as saying there "exists a real possibility of a military aggression against Cuba." The war games, which are being called "Bastion 2009," also will get the military ready to deal with social unrest the United States may try to foment in this time of economic crisis in Cuba, ahead of an invasion, they said. (...) >>>

Dec. 27, 2009
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Chavez' war(m) mongering ...

In the margins of COP15, Hugo Chavez held an enthusiastically applauded rant in which he ripped the Netherlands for putting three small Caribbean islands (Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba), just north of Venezuela at the disposal of the US as a launching pad for "aggression" against him (auto translation of De Telegraaf newspaper article). Chavez alleges the US has stationed CIA personnel, war ships and airplanes on the islands, which he  claims are in Venezuelan territorial waters. He's ran with this story before, but it came to naught. Now he wants the EU to take a stand. It would seem the Leftist potentate needs an external enemy quite badly for his Red Bolivarian Revolution to take hold. Minister for the Antilles Duncan said he's no idea what Chavez is on about. But the separatist leader of the Curacao opposition party, Pueblo Soberano was more forthcoming. Helmin Wiels said he wants the US military base on the island closed: "See I'm right! At an international convention we stand accused of being a brothel, used by the Netherlands to attack our neighbors! It's clear: war is being plotted. Our fears and caveats have been confirmed". This farce on the world stage was evidently set in an effort to close the US base in an area where "everyone's a drug trafficker", as the saying on the islets goes.

Dec. 18, 2009
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Examiner: "Socialism's march across Latin America and Bolivia's revolution"

It seems that Central and South America have constantly been a breeding ground for socialist regimes. (...) Now there are multiple socialist states in South and Central America. Nicaragua is once again under Sandinista control and ever moving toward a socialist state once again. Venezuela has nationalized most of the industry in the country and turned decidedly toward a socialist government. (...) Adding to this list are Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay, all with socialist leaders. (...) >>>

Dec. 9, 2009
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Update: election rejected by the usual suspects. Not surprisingly the Mel loyals are: Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay. La Gringa describes their flagrant dishonesty.

Let's hope the rule of law is herewith returned to the plucky nation of Honduras. If the episode has taught us anything, it is the sad state of affairs in the transnational world of postmodern diplomacy. Everyone fell into this trap: the EU, the OAS, the UN and the USA. Cheers comrades!

La Gringa's Blogicito: "Zelaya will not be reinstated - 111 to 14"

The session of congress closed at 9:36 p.m. after a very long day. See my blow-by-blow 6-hour long report here and the introduction here. The final Honduras congressional vote was 111 against the restoration of Zelaya to the presidency; 14 in favor. Three congressmen did not attend the session. Is that clear enough? (...) >>>

Dec. 3, 2009
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Fausta's Blog: "Honduras: Porfirio Lobo elected new president"

In today’s podcast at 11AM Eastern, Honduras elects Porfirio Lobo as new president Rival Elvin Santos concedes defeat as ousted president, Manuel Zelaya, declares vote illegitimate (...) >>>

Nov. 30, 2009
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... and I said once and I'll say it again: why are undemocratic parties allowed to run in elections, thus providing a chance for democracy in effect to commit suicide? Here we are again, in Honduras!

La Gringa's Blogicito: "Micheletti will temporarily step aside"

In a national television and radio broadcast tonight, Honduran President Roberto Micheletti encouraged all Hondurans, without exception, to vote on November 29. He said that the elections signify "peace and our future." He again promised that citizens will be safe and secure.

In a surprise move, Micheletti offered to absent himself from power temporarily from Wednesday, November 25 until December 2 to guaranty tranquility for the elections and assure that the focus is on the elections instead of the political crisis. He promised that during his absence, the government will operate completely normally with his council of ministers (cabinet) in charge. (...) >>>

Nov. 20, 2009
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BREAKING NEWS - Ortega charges coup plot: The continuing story of El Ortega, the gift that keeps on giving ... Van Baalen, while in Nicaragua talked to the military which is largely made up of Sandinistas. He wanted to ensure the army would remain in baracks in the dispute with the opposition Liberal parties. Today El Ortega accuses Van Baalen of having organized a coup, discrediting the opposition in the process. Classic! Well, Mel tried it and got away with it!

Nov. 16, 2009
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Just keeping you updated on this diplomatic undertaking, which appears to have a few interesting aspects. Van Baalen as President of the Liberal International, here in the pic with Mel, has parleyed with both parties. Dear Mel has stated he'll respect the November 29 election results (presumably like he did the Constitution). Micheletti will join the board of the Liberal International as Vice President in January.

Van Baalen has acknowledged Zelaya has violated the Honduran Constitution and that the OAS is biased on the side of 'bolivarian' Zelaya. Now, would that be an implied charge against the Obama admin and the UN, who also came out in defense of the power-grabbing Mel? Both Mel Zelaya and Micheletti are members of the same Liberal party, but I dare say Mel should prepare for a bout of black-balling come election time ...

November 15, 2009
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As more information becomes available about this incident, the plot is thickening. Van Baalen was acting in Nicaragua on behalf of the opposition Liberal parties against El Ortega's self appointment as President-with-an-unspecified-number-of terms. In this video it is evident that Van Baalen's call to action was limited to peaceful means.

Noteworthy is also, he was booted out by the commies when he'd already left the country for Costa Rica. Now he's on to Honduras to mediate in a similar "conflict" between Mel Zelaya and the Honduran defenders of the Constitution. Common denominator: don't try to make democrats out of commies - they have no talents in that respect.

Hans van Baalen: "ALDE group leader Guy Verhofstadt: 'Totally unacceptable"

The new President of Liberal International, VVD Member of the European Parliament, Hans van Baalen has been expelled from Nicaragua by the Sandinista President Daniel Ortega. Van Baalen heard of this action against him shortly after leaving the country by airplane to Costa Rica.

Following weeks of negotiations behind the scenes Van Baalen had reached a cooperation agreement with the leaders of the Liberal opposition parties in Nicaragua (Bancada Democratica Nicaraguense, Partido Liberal Constitucionalista, Alianza Liberal Nicaraguense). This pact of Managua is a breakthrough because the liberal parties have agreed to present one common Liberal candidate for the upcoming general election. The Liberal opposition has a majority in the parliament but was divided until now. Van Baalen called upon President Ortega to respect the constitution of Nicaragua, which prohibits two successive terms in office. (...) >>>

Nov. 13, 2009
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Hello regime of Nicaragua! How's the war on reality going for you so far? It will catch up with you eventually, as it invariably does! Bravo Hans van Baalen for taking a stand for liberty!

NRC: "Dutch MEP thrown out of Nicaragua"

European parliamentarian Hans van Baalen, from the Netherlands, was expelled from Nicaragua on Wednesday after the right-wing liberal politician had called on liberal parties there to unite in opposition against left-wing president Daniel Ortega. In a statement Nicaragua said the MEP came "as an envoy of interventionist foreign powers, forgetting that the new forms of interference and oppression are rejected by the people, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America."

Van Baalen is on a tour of three Latin American countries in his new position as president of the International Liberals, an umbrella organisation of almost 100 liberal parties worldwide. Nicaragua was his first stop, "a country where democracy is threatened by the unconstitutional and totalitarian tendencies of Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega," Van Baalen wrote on his website before his departure. (...) >>>

Nov. 12, 2009
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PJM: "U.S. (Belatedly) Changes Course on Zelaya, Chávez Stays Quiet"

The U.S. drops its support for Honduran former president Manuel Zelaya. Hugo Chávez says nothing, a development in itself.

The October 30 Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord (translated here), under which the United States and other nations are to recognize the results of the November 29 Honduran elections, was hailed by the U.S. government and by the Organization of American States (OAS) as “as bringing an end to a months-long political crisis.”

It seems to have fizzled because former President Manuel Zelaya insisted that he be reinstated before the unity government took office. Under the accord, the unity government took office, as scheduled, on November 5. Zelaya refused to submit his list of participants since he had not been reinstated, and it appears that his partisans will try to disrupt the elections. (...) >>>

Nov. 10, 2009
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It just got worse ... but there's a twist ...

Pat Dollard: "Soros Behind Zelaya’s Return To Power", by Nicole M. Ferrand (research analyst and editor of “The Americas Report” of the Menges Hemispheric Security Project)

(...) Why is this administration siding with Zelaya and his main supporter, Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez? Chavez is known to be hostile towards the U.S while working closely with Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is on the brink of obtaining a nuclear weapon and has established a bank in Venezuela with Chavez to avoid the sanctions already imposed against Iranian financial institutions responsible for transferring funds to Tehran’s nuclear program. Actually, the Obama Administration and the Chavez regime sponsored a UN resolution that condemned the government of Honduras for legally removing Chavez’s puppet “Mel” Zelaya.

What is even worse, the State Department has suspended $30 million in aid to Honduras for standing by their constitution and has stripped current President Roberto Micheletti and fourteen members of the Supreme Court who ruled against Zelaya of their U.S. visas.

Since people are often policy, who are the individuals on the Obama team responsible for shaping our Latin American policy and specifically for the misguided decisions made regarding Honduras. The Obama Latin America Team is composed of (...) >>>

Oct. 31, 2009
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Well, the tranzies have managed it! The Left's narrative is unchanged, beating the drum of the "coup of state" and ignoring Mel's conspiracy to help himself to the title 'dear leader for life'. The rule of law in Honduras is now dog's breakfast and Mel is back in the saddle contemplating more mischief. Who's going to hold the tranzies responsible for the consequences? The UN? whahahaha ha ...

Power Line: "Zelaya returns"

Today's news brings word that Manuel Zelaya will return as the president of Honduras thanks to American diplomatic pressure. It is perfectly fitting that the signal diplomatic triumph of President Obama's first year in office is the restoration to power of the lawfully deposed Honduran thug and friend of Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega and Hugh Chavez. It is inimical to the national interest of the United States. It is a setback for the supporters of democracy in the beleaguered country of Honduras. And it is a defeat for those who believe in the rule of law. It is, in other words, a triumph of "smart diplomacy." (...) >>>

Oct. 30, 2009
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The seamless integration of Fascism and Communism ...

Canada Free Press: "Zelaya’s Chief Propagandist Endorses Hitler and the Holocaust"

Not long after ousted wannabe Marxist dictator Manuel Zelaya issued a bizarre rant about Israelis attacking him with high frequency radiation and toxic gases, his chief propagandist, David Romero Ellner, who heads up Honduras’ Radio Globo went on the air to suggest that Hitler had been right and that it was unfortunate that he had not gotten the chance to finish off the Holocaust.

David Romero Ellner and Radio Globo are significant because the media aims to make them into the newest martyrs of the Honduran government’s “crackdown” on civil rights. Reuters and other media outlets are already carrying touching narratives of the police raid on Radio Globo and David Romero Ellner continuing to carry on broadcasting over the web. And this was what the tragic martyr, David Romero Ellner said on Radio Globo (...) >>>

Oct. 1, 2009
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LeUrticant's Blog: "HUNGER STRIKE in VENEZUELA get more protesters including POLITICAL PRISONERS themselves"

More than 34 university students initiated Friday a hunger strike to call attention about the persecution of political opponents by President Hugo Chavez's government. The students sprawled on cots in front of the offices of the Organization of American States in Caracas as they urged the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) to investigate. Some began going without food early Thursday, while others traveled overnight from eastern Sucre state to take part. The OAS has simply ignored the petition the very same way they ignore the Political Prisoners from Communist regime in CUBA. (...) >>>

Sept. 29, 2009
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Hot Air: "CRS: Zelaya arrest lawful"

(...) But was Zelaya’s removal actually illegal? The Congressional Research Service analyzed it, and concluded that Honduras’ parliament and Supreme Court, while lacking an impeachment mechanism in the country’s constitution, had the authority to issue an arrest warrant for Zelaya and remove him from office (via Fausta Wertz) (...) The Hondurans made a blunder by exiling Zelaya. Had they kept him in custody, very little of what followed would have occurred. Hugo Chavez and Daniel Ortega would have screamed about it, but the US and most of the rest of the OAS — including Costa Rica, where Honduras dumped Zelaya — would have probably remained on the sidelines. (...) >>>

Sept. 27, 2009
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Pajamas TV: "Surprise, Surprise: Obama Sides with Leftist Dictator and Shuns Democracy in Honduras" (video)

Sept. 9, 2009
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The shame of making the Left proud ...

Astute Bloggers: "10,000 Protestors March Against Socialist Indoctrination in Schools - in Venezuela"

It is no coincidence that Chavez is seeking to indoctrinate schoolchildren and Obama arranged a TV speech to schoolchildren this very week.

Chavez and Obama use the same playbook. (...) >>>

Sept. 6, 2009
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Hot Air: "Honduran court rejects Zelaya return"

(...) Unfortunately for Obama, the court has rejected the proposed deal that would return Zelaya to Honduras by restating that they would order his arrest for crimes committed in office:

Honduras’s supreme court has rejected a Costa Rica-brokered deal to restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya to power and ordered his arrest if he returns. The ruling also affirmed the legitimacy of the government of interim leader Roberto Micheletti. … The court reminded Mr Zelaya that he faces several charges - including crimes against the government, treason, and abuse of power - and would be subject to trial if he re-entered the country. It said Mr Micheletti’s government had been installed as part of a lawful “constitutional succession”. Correspondents say Mr Micheletti is increasingly confident that he will be able to remain in power until elections at the end of November.

Costa Rica had proposed that Zelaya return as president until the November elections, with his power curtailed considerably, while Micheletti returned to his previous position as speaker of the Honduran parliament. The court’s statement flatly rejects this compromise and any other. (...) >>>

Aug. 29, 2009
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Note the Chavez brand of National Socialism: "Bolivarism" ...

Times Online: "Protests fail to halt passage of Chavez's 'socialist indoctrination law'"

Officers fired tear gas into crowds who were protesting in Caracas against President Chávez's plans to broaden state control over the education system. Scuffles broke out as clouds of caustic, white gas wafted through the air outside the predominantly pro-Chávez National Assembly. (...) >>>

Aug. 14, 2009
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Here below is a link to PJTV's Honduras collection. Very worth while watching, every last one of those reports. It is still an enigma how the 'international community' could support - and could continue to support - a President who clearly had been violating the Constitution of his country. Have we no diplomatic representation in Honduras (one that happens to be awake, that is)? I guess it's still too early to draw the conclusion that we ourselves have been usurped by the forces of darkness?

PJTV: "Honduras/Political - National Crisis"

July 25, 2009
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Here Supreme Court documents that Zelaya violated Article 239 ...

The Washington Times: "EXCLUSIVE: Ousted Honduran leader accused of theft" (includes video material)

Honduran officials are investigating allegations that President Manuel Zelaya and his chief of staff stole millions of dollars from the central bank before the military ousted Mr. Zelaya last month, according to a senior Honduran official, government documents and other evidence.

A security video from the Central Bank of Honduras made available to The Washington Times shows officials entering the bank June 24 and withdrawing large amounts of Honduran currency. The money was driven to the office of Mr. Zelaya's chief of staff, Enrique Flores Lanza, according to depositions by three witnesses to Honduran prosecutors. (...) >>>

July 22, 2009
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The American Spectator: "Honduran Archbishop Blasts Zelaya and Chavez", by John Rosenthal

An article published by the Catholic news agency Zenit quotes Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, the archbishop of Tegucigalpa, as saying that the Catholic Church is "not taking sides" in the current conflict in Honduras. But this is hardly the impression one gets from a lengthy interview with Cardinal Rodriguez published today in the German daily Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). In the FAZ interview, Cardinal Rodríguez accuses Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of fomenting unrest in Honduras in the interest of bringing about a "Bolivarian" revolution in the country and he rejects outright the return to power of ousted President Manuel Zelaya.

"You must know," Cardinal Rodríguez tells the FAZ, that we are struggling against a very powerful, because very well-financed, campaign, which is being directed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez -- to the extent that agents of the Venezuelan secret services are active in the country and are organizing the supposed popular protests against the removal of President Manuel Zelaya. Weapons have also been brought into the country. Thank God that up to now more blood has not been shed. But not a day goes by without my receiving a death threat.

Asked why he was being threatened, the Cardinal continued: (...) Rodríguez said that it was "absurd" to qualify Zelaya's removal as a military coup, noting that "there is not a single military official that in any way belongs to the [current "de facto"] government." (...) Asked by FAZ reporter Daniel Deckers why the American government has publicly supported Zelaya -- "in perfect harmony with Chavez and his followers" -- Cardinal Rodríguez replied: "A lot of Hondurans would like to know that. But nobody can explain it to us." >>>
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Newsbusters: "Blogosphere Roars, MSM Snores: Zelaya Attempted Honduran Referendum Vote Fraud", by P.J. Gladnick

Stories reported almost exclusively by the Blogosphere which are mostly ignored by the mainstream media have become such a recurring theme recently that it deserves to be filed under the category of "Blogosphere Roars, MSM Snores." And the latest entry in this category is the report from the Catalan Europa Press in Spain relayed via the Babalu Blog about an attempt by former Honduran president Manuel (Mel) Zelaya to fix the results of a planned referendum via programmed computers on the very day he was ousted. Here is the translation of the story which has yet to appear in the English language press here in North America:

Several computers containing the results of the referendum Zelaya wanted to conduct are seized at the Presidential Palace. Are you taking notes, ACORN? And now for the rest of the story:

The National Directors of Criminal Investigation seized various computers from the Presidential Palace that had recorded the supposed results of the referendum to reform the constitution that the deposed leader, Manuel Zelaya, was planning to conduct on June 28, the day he was removed from office. Or, as the Babalu Blog put it, taking a page out of the Hugo Chavez playbook: (...) >>> Read it all!

July 20, 2009
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On the occasion of Mel's imminent return home, a feature story capturing the essence of the Idealistic Narcissist ... the perpetual preparedness to sacrifice nearest and dearest to the Collective ...


FEATURE - IBD: "Behind Hugo's Harassment Of Honduras"

The recent actions of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez say a lot about what's really at stake in the Honduras debacle (...) At issue is whether Zelaya broke the Honduran constitution by trying to hold an illegal referendum and, if not, whether he deserves to be returned to power. (...) Complicating matters is Chavez, the Marxist tyrant who's been at the center of the Honduran problem from day one. He has provided encouragement and material support for the unconstitutional referendum that Zelaya tried to push through. Now with peace talks on, Chavez is interfering further. (...)

By Thursday, Chavez really lost it, making a bizarre, out-of-protocol 11:15 p.m. phone call to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon urging the U.S. to "do something," suggesting a military invasion. Seems Chavez was losing sleep at night over Honduras. Then, on his weekly variety show Sunday, Chavez made a long speech about his call to Shannon, hurling insults at the very country he wanted go to war for him. He blamed the U.S. for instigating the "coup" (...) "Zelaya will return to his country. The government of Honduras will decide whether to kill him or not. He is willing to die," Chavez said, gladly giving up his pal's life for "the struggle." As of Tuesday, Zelaya, acting on cue from his sponsor, was calling for violence and disruption of trade with strikes and roadblocks. "The Honduran people have the right to insurrection," he said.

Chavez's series of actions have nothing to do with restoring democratic order or constitutionality in Honduras. Which begs the question: Why is he involved at all? Venezuela has no dog in this fight, no vital interests (...) Fact is, Chavez can't afford to lose a single pawn in the collection of vassal states known as ALBA, which include Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Cuba. If Honduras goes, the message to the others is that membership in the group is reversible. Chavez's actions in the Honduras debacle show the ends to which he will go to maintain what's effectively an empire. (...) >>>

July 17, 2009
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"President of the Poor" was funnelling aid by the wheelbarrow

Hunter Smith has resurfaced: he's attended a multi religious church service, and today explains his motivations.
Chris Burgard - director of "Border" - reporting on behalf of Pajamas TV, has had an interview with the Honduran Congressional Minority Leader, Antonio Rivera. Conclusions:
- Mel - the President of the poor - has been funnelling aid meant for the self-same poor, towards his unconstitutional referendum fund, by the wheelbarrow.
- As a measure of what the 'international community' has become, Sr Rivera gives us the example of the OAS who kicked out Castro some 50 years ago because of human rights violations. Now the OAS is inviting him back. Cuba hasn't changed, neither has Castro: it's the polylogism that is the result of relativist philosophy: refusing to pass ethical judgment, instead pushes the fallacy that every idea is right from its own perspective (Corporal Hitler would have been proud!). Watch the interview here:

PJTV: "Communism and Consequences in Central America & The Chavez News Network"

July 14, 2009
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Other than WSJ posting the interesting but unrelated article on the history of the Latin American caudillo, the media and the "international community", perhaps having understood by now its mistake in labeling the Hondurans protecting their shaky democracy a 'coup', have gone mute on the subject. Even our "feet on the ground", gringo Hunter Smith is in a protracted meeting since Friday 10th, merely refering us to Pajamas TV's new case reporter, Chris Burgard, director of "Border".

Chris Burgard can be viewed here. These are his main points:

- There are still rumors of troop movements near the Nicaraguan border, which Nicaragua is denying.
- Hondurans dubbed CNN the Chavez News Network.
- CNN Espanol's gets its info from their correspondent, daughter of a well known local family of communists/Sandinistas.
- Last Sunday's violence near the airport may have been provoked to form an excuse for Chavez to bring in troops in aid of deposed Mel Zelaya. This is also the reason Mel was transfered abroad.
- A senior officer has detected a battle plan in the Chavez background when the latter delivered a televized speech.
- The MSM and the "international community" are mistaken in their judgment; reality on the ground is precisely the other way around.
- Hondurans simply did what their own Constitution bade them to do.

May well be continued (or not).

July 12, 2009
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Politeia: "Honduras: No Second Chile"

(...) The latest, since yesterday's post:

- An "officer claims that protesters [on Sunday besieging the airport] had wire cutters (I did see protesters with wire cutters) and began cutting the chain link fence and ripping it down. The crowd convened onto the fence, ready to rush onto the tarmac at the airport. Shots were fired from the military, however as of right now it is uncertain whether the casualties were the result of a military issued weapon."
- The national commissioner for Human Rights, Ramón Custodio, said it wasn't the soldiers that shot the young man who died yesterday.
- As the rally came to a close, the police arrested 20 Nicaraguans from the crowd, who were armed with .357 pistols.
- A total of 96 Nicaraguan citizens have been detained.
- Commissioner Hector Ivan Mejia said they have identified in the demonstrations supporting Manuel Zelaya foreign nationals from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. (...) >>>

July 8, 2009
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Politeia: "Eyewitness to History in Honduras"

Now's the opportunity to follow history in the making, or - to put it in another way - the narrative as it is being manufactured.

As the people of Iran fight for liberty and to rid themselves finally of the murderous regime of vile, old potentates, on the other side of the world a fight for freedom of a different nature is taking place, as an ally of the Iranian regime is being ousted in conformity with the Honduran Constitution.

The Left isn't having any of this: the mullah regime is supported by the majority of the people in Iran, and Mel Zelaya is the elected "champion of the poor" immorally deposed through "a military coup" against the wishes of the majority of the Honduran people - capiche? The blood in the streets of Tehran is markedly less red than the spills on the streets of Tegucigalpa. (...) >>>

July 6, 2009
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Kirk Florida Blog is coordinating support for Honduras

Great pictures!

Check out this example of citizen journalism at its best! Hunter Smith felt that there was minimal news coverage coming from the region, and was intrigued when this little democratic country from Central America stood by its actions despite condemnation from the UN and the United States. So he picked up a camera, notepad, and plane ticket to Tegucigalpa, Honduras and there he is keeping us abreast of developments in the plucky nation. We'll be looking forward to his reports. Great guy! - Hat Tip: Fausta

Fausta's Blog: "Honduras leaves the OAS: “There is no room in the OAS for freedom-loving countries”"

Vice-chancellor Marta Lorena Alvarado read the letter addressed to Insulza, which stated the government’s decision “the OAS believes that it no longer has room for Honduras, for the states that love their freedom and defend their sovereignty,” … “in spite of Honduras having taken part in the inter-American systen since its first stages in 1889.” (...) >>>

July 4, 2009
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More than most governments, the MSM, or even the EU and the UN have done, Tim Mak has taken the trouble to work out the legal niceties:

New Majority: "THE COUP THAT ISN'T"

(...) Smells like your typical Latin American coup, and this is certainly how many mainstream media outlets have been reporting it. Most governments have reacted much the same way, with President Obama asserting that “the coup was not legal.” Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reacted fiercely to the news, asserting that he would “bring… down” any new government. But wait – when is a coup d’etat… not really a coup d’etat? Beyond the superficial details of Zelaya’s ouster, the situation in Honduras is far more complicated than it seems. The Honduran Constitution states in Article 239 that no President can be elected to more than one term. It also states that any citizen who seeks to change the article needs to resign his or her public office. Moreover (...) >>>

July 2, 2009
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The Daily Beast: "New Honduras Leader Stands Firm"

The standoff between Roberto Micheletti, Honduras' interim leader, and ousted president Manuel Zelaya continues. Micheletti must have nerves of steel. The Associated Press reports that the Honduran has defied the Obama administration, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations--all of whom disapprove of the military coup that put him in power. "No one can make me resign," he said, adding, "If there is any invasion against our country, 7.5 million Hondurans will be ready to defend our territory and our laws." (...) >>>
July 1, 2009
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Cliff Kincaid at Accuracy in Media has worked out the legal niceties ... "What has gone underreported, or not reported at all in the media or recognized by the Obama Administration, is that the democratically-elected Congress unanimously approved the change in leadership and impeached the President. If this was a constitutionally correct action why has the Obama Administration been so quick to judge and condemn?" (..) >>>
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WSJ: "Honduras Defends Its Democracy - Fidel Castro and Hillary Clinton object"

Hugo Chávez's coalition-building efforts suffered a setback yesterday when the Honduran military sent its president packing for abusing the nation's constitution. It seems that President Mel Zelaya miscalculated when he tried to emulate the success of his good friend Hugo in reshaping the Honduran Constitution to his liking. But Honduras is not out of the Venezuelan woods yet. Yesterday the Central American country was being pressured to restore the authoritarian Mr. Zelaya by the likes of Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega, Hillary Clinton and, of course, Hugo himself.

The Organization of American States, having ignored Mr. Zelaya's abuses, also wants him back in power. It will be a miracle if Honduran patriots can hold their ground. (...) The attorney general had already made clear that the referendum was illegal, and he further announced that he would prosecute anyone involved in carrying it out. Yesterday, Mr. Zelaya was arrested by the military and is now in exile in Costa Rica. (...) Honduras is fighting back by strictly following the constitution. (...) >>>

June 29, 2009
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Update:

Fausta's Blog: "Coup in Honduras - Correction: This is NOT a coup"

(...) The Honduran Supreme Court of Justice has confirmed that Honduran president Manuel Zelaya was detained this morning by the military in compliance with an order of the courts of law. Honduran troops have arrested president Manuel Zelaya, who then was taken to an air base outside of Tegucigalpa. (...) Zelaya was arrested right before the voting on the referendum was scheduled to start. The referendum had been declared unlawful by the country’s courts (...)
1:40PM
CNN en español mentioned that Zelaya was arrested by court order. This signals that all the Honduran institutions were behind this move, in which case the president was overthrown, but it would not be a coup d’etat. (...) >>>

Surprise ... Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez warned that he and other leftist government would do "whatever it takes" to defend their ally, and the President of Power also once again lives up to the expectation:

WSJ Update: "Obama Worked To Prevent Ouster of Honduras President" ...
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The news from Honduras in the latest round of Chavist retrogression.

RealClearWorld: "Honduras in Turmoil"

(...) [Honduran President] Zelaya wants a referendum to be held this Sunday that would allow voters in the upcoming presidential elections in November to also vote on rewriting the constitution. Zelaya's term is scheduled to end in January. Most recently, rewriting the Constitution is one of the trademarks of Chavista-style regimes like Ecuador and Bolivia, but the maneuver is not limited to them. There is strong opposition to the referendum (...) >>>

June 28, 2009
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Serial voting till the right result ... the Western press are a stable full of idiots with just over half a brain cell between them spreading the meme that whatever Chavez does must be okay because "he's doing it for the poor" (where do they go to recruit these morons?) ...

CNN: "Venezuela's Chavez declares victory in term-limits referendum"

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez declared victory Sunday night in a constitutional referendum that will allow him to run for a third six-year term in 2012. (...) >>>

Feb 16, 2009
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